Terminating Teen Obesity: Say "Hasta" to Pasta

According to the American Obesity Association, approximately
15 percent of children ages 12-19 are obese; moreover, the
risk for developing type 2 diabetes becomes greater after
puberty, according to a new study published in the August
issue of the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.
To determine the "effect of dietary composition on body weight
and diabetes risk factors ... in adolescents," researchers
studied 16 teens over a period of one year, comparing those
who followed a low-carbohydrate eating plan to those on a
low-fat diet.

According
to the study, teens who decreased their daily carbohydrate
intake lost significantly more weight than those who stuck
to low-fat diets only. Furthermore, subjects in the low-carb
group did not regain the weight for six to 12 months following
the initial weight loss. Researchers noted that the low-carb
plan also reduces blood sugar (glucose) levels more effectively
than the low-fat alternative; insulin-resistance level increases
were substantially less in the low-carb group than the low-fat
group.

This is all positive news, although the researchers note
that their findings are preliminary, and more research is
needed. However, the important points to remember are that
it's important that your child get on the road to health and
wellness early, and you should always talk to your doctor
before starting your child on any specialized eating plan
for weight loss.